Pre-Treatment

After your initial consultation, the next step is to help you prepare for your treatment with a CT scan.

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan is a type of x-ray that takes 3D images inside your body.

You’ll attend the scan in your radiation oncology department.

Why do I need it?

Your CT scan will be set up to record all the necessary images for your body shape and position details. This is to ensure your treatment can be planned and delivered accurately.

Does it hurt?

CT scanning doesn’t hurt. You’ll lie on the table and move through the scanner, which is large and round like a doughnut.

How long does it take?

The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes.

What if I move around?

It's important to find a position that is comfortable enough for you to hold. If you’re finding this challenging, we have accessories and custom-made devices to help keep you stable.

If this is required, your radiation therapists will explain this process. Any devices will be custom made to fit you, because they’re used to keep you in exactly the same position each day during treatment.

This helps ensure that the radiation beams are directed at exactly the same part of your body each time during treatment.

Sometimes you may need a small number of markings (ink spots) to help you stay in the most accurate position. These markings are less than the size of a freckle and you won’t be able to see them easily.

When people with cancer undergo treatments, the focus is on them and their needs. Yet cancer often affects more than just one person. In many cases, it’s the entire family, and especially the caregivers – who are also significantly impacted by the experience.